Reflections from Willow P.

My freshman year I decided to take German as my language extremely last minute, but to this day I feel it was one of the best decisions I could have ever made for not only my education but for me as a person. I have gained so much from taking German. I have the best teacher ever, Frau Asch, and the others who are taking the language, especially the ones I got to share this amazing experience with, are by far the best as well. Not only have I gained these friendships but I have also gained the ability to (at least somewhat) speak such an interesting yet difficult language. In my first year of German, I never expected taking the class would take me so far but then after my second year I was able to put my studies to the test by taking part in the GAPP trip.

Before the trip I was super nervous, yet excited because I had never travelled abroad before and I certainly had never stayed with a host family before either. But after actually experiencing all of this and immersing myself into the German culture I can definitely say I would do it again in an instant. I love the people and their traditions and how different their lives are. It’s almost like a whole other world over there! I guess you can say I didn’t feel very prepared for such a big adventure because we had only ever really read the text book and I’d only really heard American-German, not straight up native German! After settling in and being there for a few days I felt my communication skills improving. I definitely had to get used to not understanding everything because I was surrounded by everyone talking in a different language, and talking extremely fast.

Every chance I could, I would use my speaking skills and take pointers from the people I was speaking too, whether I pronounced a word wrong or just didn’t make any sense at all. I learned something either way, just by putting myself out there and giving it a try. Towards the end of the trip, I was having actual conversations in German and people kept saying my German was really good! I also understood a lot more than I did before. I’m ready to go onto my third year in German because I know so much more about the culture and the language! I can’t wait to go back to my favorite class.

Another thing I gained from this was not only my speaking skills in German, but being able to get up in front of people and give a presentation doesn’t seem so hard anymore. I became more outgoing towards meeting new people as well since I was surrounded by strangers. It was awesome, and I really enjoyed it. I definitely want to stay in contact with the people I met and send them things from the U.S.A like Lucky Charms!

Throughout my stay in Germany I have made so many memories that I won’t ever forget. I’ve become closer with everyone in our group and it makes me really happy to know I shared this experience with the people that I did. We were constantly laughing and having a good time, making jokes and messing around. It was the best time.  And of course our professional tour guide, Mr. Mobini, did a really great job in getting things done and planning out this trip for us. We couldn’t have done it without him and I’m extremely thankful! I think each person who came on the trip added something to it which is what made it so awesome. Chris and Aaron and their hilarious jokes, Conner and his rants about Hitch hikers guide to the galaxy, Jena and Eleana and the funny things they would say, Karanjot and her wise cracks, Katie and the fact that she is Katie Michel Michels (BOOM), Jessika and her laugh and awesome leadership skills, and Renee and how easy to get along with she was. I love them all! This trip has been totally rad, and all I have left to say is ICH LIEBE DEUTSCHLAND!  - Willow Powers